Waldron welcomes pool funding for safety and training

For more information, contact Terry Waldron (MLA).

Regional pool users across Western Australia will benefit from funding for safety and training through the Royalties for Regions-funded Community Pool Revitalisation Program (CPRP).

The Nationals WA Member for Wagin Terry Waldron said $176,272 would go to Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics initiatives to improve pool safety and training across WA.

“This funding will assist 100 pool lifeguards from across regional WA to requalify and will facilitate the purchase of 95 lifesaving mannequins for in-house and community training,” Mr Waldron said.

He said the funding would also deliver audits of regional pools to achieve Waterwise specification and 10 scholarships to regional female industry participants to undertake pool operations training.

The CPRP is funded through the Royalties for Regions program and provides grants to eligible local government authorities to assist with the maintenance and upgrade of their aquatic centre facilities, with $13.2 million provided over four years.

“The Community Pool Revitalisation Program was an election commitment made by The Nationals WA at the 2013 election and demonstrates our commitment to safe and well-maintained aquatic facilities in regional towns,” Mr Waldron said.

“Aquatic centres across regional WA often serve as a hub for local community life and are important for recreation, learning and exercise.

“Especially in regional Western Australia, pools often act as the social centre of many towns and communities.”

Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said many pools throughout the region were continuing to benefit from upgraded facilities and improved training opportunities thanks to the CPRP.

“Thanks to this excellent Royalties for Regions-funded initiative pool centres in the region are being refurbished. Upgraded sporting and recreational facilities often lead to an increase in patronage, so everyone benefits,” Mr Rundle said.

In 2016, the Community Pool Revitalisation Program delivered $2,923,728 in funding to 91 pools and four water playgrounds.

Eligible regional local governments may apply for up to $32,000 towards pool upgrades, maintenance, equipment, staff development or a reduction of pool entry costs. The money can also be put towards a capital project.